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California Health Care Foundation
  • Our Approach
        • Our Approach

          The California Health Care Foundation is an independent, nonprofit philanthropy that works to improve the health care system so that all Californians have the care they need.

          Explore Our Approach

        • Goals & Strategy
        • Our Approach to Health Equity
        • Our Priorities
        • Learning & Impact
  • Topics
        • Topics

          CHCF works on many different fronts to support California’s health care system. Explore resources, events, or networks related to each topic.

          Explore All Topics

        • Behavioral Health
        • Facts and Data
        • Health Care Costs/Affordability
        • Health Equity
        • Health Insurance Coverage
        • Health Workforce
        • Homelessness
        • Maternal Health
        • Medi-Cal
        • Older Adults
        • Primary Care
        • Technology and Innovation
  • Resources
        • Resources

          CHCF publishes reports, articles, issue briefs, explainers, data snapshots, infographics, fact sheets, and other resources to help make meaningful change in California’s health care system.

          Explore All Resources

        • Articles
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  • Networks
        • Networks

          Connect with health care experts and leaders through our networks and events.

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        • California Improvement Network
        • CHCF Innovation Fund
        • CHCF Health Care Leadership Program
  • For Grantees
        • For Grantees

          CHCF funds projects that are aligned with its strategic goals and relevant to California health care as outlined in these goals.

          Explore Grantees

        • Applicant Resources
        • Grantee Resources
        • Current RFPs
        • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Us
        • About Us

          The California Health Care Foundation is an independent, nonprofit philanthropy that works to improve the health care system so that all Californians have the care they need.

          Explore About Us

        • Our Values
        • A Vision of Belonging
        • Board of Directors
        • CHCF Staff
        • Jobs @ CHCF
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  • Events
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Behavioral Health

Our work in behavioral health addresses the fragmentation and inequities in California’s mental health and substance use disorder systems. We support delivery system improvements and policy reforms that enhance access to effective behavioral health care.

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    Featured Publications

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    Doctor and patient have a friendly conversation.
    Knowledge Center

    Behavioral Health Transformation

    Every Californian deserves to access behavioral health care when and where they need it. Mental illnesses and substance use disorders are treatable, manageable conditions. But too many people suffer while trying to get care, and there are wide disparities in access and outcomes. By focusing on changes that improve patients’ experiences, we can transform our…

    April 30, 2024
    Behavioral Health

    What Is Lay Counseling?

    May 29, 2025
    Behavioral Health, Health Workforce
    Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, Amber Williams

    Santa Cruz Sobering Center Benefits Patients and County Justice System

    November 20, 2024
    Behavioral Health
    Illustratation of supportive housing facility and hospital beds.

    Behavioral Health Treatment Beds and Housing in California: An Explainer

    February 23, 2024
    Behavioral Health
    behavioral health data reforms - Case manager leads wellness group meeting

    What Providers and Administrators Need from Behavioral Health Data Reforms

    April 8, 2025
    Behavioral Health

    Subtopics

    • CalAIM
    • Maternal Mental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Substance Use Disorder

    Recent Resources

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    Resource

    What Is Lay Counseling?

    This fact sheet shows how lay counselors can bridge the mental health workforce gap by providing evidence-based support comparable to that offered by licensed therapists.

    May 29, 2025
    Resource
    Quick Read
    Reynaldo Vargas, a therapist working toward licensure, is learning how to navigate difficult cases in Contra Costa County with the help of his remote supervisor.
    Resource

    Counties Embrace New Approach to Getting Therapist Trainees Licensed

    Motivo Health increases access to clinical supervision, smoothing the pathway to California licensure for needed mental health providers.

    April 11, 2025
    Resource
    Behind the Headline
    behavioral health data reforms - Case manager leads wellness group meeting
    Resource

    What Providers and Administrators Need from Behavioral Health Data Reforms

    Understanding health care data is a powerful tool that reveals who is and isn’t being served, highlights what is working, and determines where dollars go.

    April 8, 2025
    Resource
    Feature Story
    Resource

    The Best Way to Fight Meth Addiction? Gift Cards

    April 22, 2025
    Resource
    External Resource

    More Topics

    Learn more about other topics we focus on.

    Explore All Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Facts and Data
    • Health Care Costs/Affordability
    • Health Equity
    • Health Insurance Coverage
    • Health Workforce
    • Homelessness
    • Medi-Cal
    • Older Adults
    • Technology and Innovation
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    OAKLAND
    1438 Webster Street #400
    Oakland, CA 94612
    Tel: 510.238.1040 Fax: 510.201.2991
    Directions to CHCF Oakland

    SACRAMENTO
    1415 L Street #820
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Tel: 916.329.4540 Fax: 916.329.4544
    Directions to CHCF Sacramento

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